Welder

Aerotek; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Steel-toe boot allowance

Welding helmet provided

Annual bonus

Job summary

Aerotek in Ames, IA is seeking a Welder to perform MIG welding and metal fabrication in a manufacturing setting. You will read blueprints, prepare and weld components, and contribute to a 12-person production team to meet daily targets.

The role requires 2–3 years MIG welding experience, strong attention to detail, and strict adherence to safety standards. Onsite, permanent placement with competitive pay and benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of MIG welding experience in manufacturing.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings.
• Proficient in using a tape measure for layout and verification.
• Experience with metal fabrication and quality standards.
• Awareness of safety protocols and PPE.

Responsibilities

• Perform MIG welding and fabrication on metal components to ensure precise, strong welds.
• Read blueprints and work instructions to plan welding projects.
• Prepare and clean metal surfaces prior to welding and verify dimensions.
• Operate welding machines, shear machines, hand tools, and measuring devices.
• Inspect welds visually and with measurement tools for quality and safety.
• Maintain and troubleshoot welding equipment and tools.
• Follow safety protocols and wear PPE; work with a team of about 12.

Skills

MIG welding

Read blueprints/ drawings

Tape measure reading

Welding equipment operation

Shop safety

Heavy lifting

Team collaboration

Education

AWS 1.1 certification

Tools

Welding machines

Shear machines

Measuring tools

Job description

Job Title: Welder Job Description

This role focuses on performing high-quality MIG welding and metal fabrication in a manufacturing environment. You will interpret blueprints and technical drawings, prepare and weld metal components, and ensure all work meets strict quality and safety standards. The position requires hands‑on operation of welding equipment, tools, and measuring instruments, as well as collaboration with a small production team to meet daily and long‑term production goals.

Responsibilities

• Perform MIG welding and fabrication tasks on a variety of metal components to produce precise, structurally sound welds.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work instructions to plan and execute welding projects accurately.
• Prepare and clean metal surfaces prior to welding, including measuring, cutting, and positioning materials.
• Operate welding machines, shear machines, hand tools, angle tools, and measuring instruments such as tape measures to ensure accurate dimensions and alignment.
• Inspect completed welds visually and with measuring tools to verify they meet quality, structural integrity, and safety standards.
• Maintain welding equipment, shear machines, and tools by performing routine checks, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting to ensure proper operation.
• Follow all company safety protocols, wear required personal protective equipment, and participate in regular safety training.
• Work collaboratively with a production team of approximately 12 people to meet daily and overall production targets.
• Assist with additional metal fabrication tasks as needed, including cutting, forming, and handling metal components.
• Handle and maneuver heavy metal parts safely, using proper lifting techniques and tools to support efficient workflow.

Essential Skills

• 2–3 years of MIG welding experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proficiency in MIG welding techniques, including the ability to produce consistent, high-quality welds.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings accurately.
• Ability to read and use a tape measure precisely for layout and verification of dimensions.
• Ability to operate a shear machine safely and effectively for cutting metal.
• Ability to use angle tools and related hand tools for fabrication and fit‑up work.
• Ability to weld T‑joints and similar weld configurations to required quality standards.
• Prior manufacturing experience, preferably in a metal fabrication or production setting.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Solid understanding of shop safety practices, including safe handling of tools, equipment, and materials.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AWS 1.1 certification or equivalent structural welding certification.
• Experience working as part of a small production team in a manufacturing facility.
• Comfort working with welding fumes, heat, sparks, and other typical welding environment conditions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, bend, lift, and handle heavy materials and equipment.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing safety and technical training.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers tangible support for trades professionals, including a steel‑toe boot allowance every two years and the provision of a welding helmet if needed. Team members may be eligible for an annual company bonus, reflecting a commitment to recognizing collective success. The workplace provides flexibility with schedules to accommodate family obligations, supporting a healthy work‑life balance and a culture of mutual respect.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing facility as part of a production team of approximately 12 people. The role involves working in a production environment with regular exposure to heat, sparks, and welding fumes. You will spend extended periods standing, bending, and performing manual labor, including heavy lifting and maneuvering metal components. Daily tasks require frequent use of welding machines, shear machines, hand tools, and measuring instruments. Personal protective equipment, including welding helmets, gloves, fire‑resistant clothing, steel‑toed footwear, and safety glasses, must be worn in designated areas to maintain a safe working environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $62400.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

-401K-health, dental, and vision-pay: $25-$30 an hour

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.